Team New Zealand Thursday said it would file a formal protest with the America’s Cup international jury over proposed changes to the AC72 catamaran class rules.
The two changes at issue were among the 37 recommended made by regatta director Iain Murray in the wake of the deadly capsizing of the AC72 of Swedish syndicate Artemis Racing in training on San Francisco Bay.
They relate to additional weight of the yachts and size of rudder elevators.
The team, sponsored by Emirates Airline, said that with racing scheduled to start on July 7, rule changes require the unanimous consent of all eligible competitors.
A statement issued by Team New Zealand said it would ask the jury to rule that Murray had exceeded his jurisdiction in seeking to unilaterally introduce the changes.
Murray made 37 safety recommendations in May after British sailor Andrew Simpson was killed in the Artemis training accident.
Two members of the international jury last week met with the four America’s Cup teams — three potential challengers and defending champions Oracle United States — in a bid to iron out differences over some of the changes.
However, mediation ended without a resolution.
“Emirates Team New Zealand supports all the other safety recommendations, which have now been approved by competitors, including the reduction of wind limits and various new rules to ensure enhanced crew safety,” the team said in a statement.
“However it is our view that the contentious Class Rule changes are performance-related rules not necessary to ensure safety.”
Murray, in an interview posted on the America’s Cup website on Monday, said that after discussions with the teams and mediators he stood by all 37 of his recommendations, although he admitted that in seeking to implement such changes without unanimous approval at this late date “we are probably taking an unprecedented step”.
However, Murray said he believed that was warranted in the wake of Simpson’s death.
“A man lost his life and we need to ensure, as much as we can, that it doesn’t happen again.”
Racing is scheduled to start on July 7 in the Louis Vuitton Cup, the series of races that will produce the challenger to Oracle for the America’s Cup races in September.
Team New Zealand, Italian syndicate Luna Rossa and Artemis are slated to compete.
Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton at least moved to quell speculation that he would take matters to court if he is not satisfied with the decision of the jury, a body of independent, experienced sailors appointed by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) to adjudicate rules disputes in competition.
“We look forward to the jury determining the issue so, whatever the decision is, we can get on with the racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup starting July 7,” he said.
Team New Zealand to protest AmCup rule changes
